Ready to dial up your snack game? Indian Cheese Twists are the ultimate fusion of flaky pastry, aromatic spices, and a gooey, cheesy center—delivering the kind of treat that disappears in minutes at any gathering. Imagine tender threads of mozzarella and crumbled paneer, spiced just right and cocooned in crisp, golden puff pastry. Whether you’re searching for a savory appetizer to impress friends, or a quick tea-time nibble to enjoy solo, these swirly, spice-kissed twists pack flavor and fun in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Indian Cheese Twists comes from a handful of basic ingredients, each chosen for a burst of flavor, a silky melt, or a hint of color. Don’t skip or skimp—every item brings its own charm!
- Puff Pastry Sheet: Store-bought puff pastry keeps things easy—just thaw and roll for the crispiest, flakiest twists.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating stretchy, creamy layers with every bite.
- Shredded Paneer: This Indian cheese adds a mild, toothsome texture and soaks up all those gorgeous spices.
- Garam Masala: Just a teaspoon of this aromatic blend infuses the twists with that warm, unmistakable Indian punch.
- Ground Cumin: Earthy and slightly peppery, cumin balances the richness of the cheeses perfectly.
- Chili Powder or Red Chili Flakes: Choose your heat—either way you’ll get a gentle, lively kick that elevates the flavor profile.
- Turmeric: Only a pinch gives an inviting golden hue and subtle earthiness to those pretty cheese ribbons.
- Salt: A little seasoning brings out all the flavors in the filling.
- Egg (beaten): For a shiny, golden finish, don’t forget the egg wash—it makes the twists downright irresistible.
- Chopped Cilantro or Nigella Seeds (optional): These are your finishing touch—herby freshness or a hint of oniony crunch for that extra dash of personality.
How to Make Indian Cheese Twists
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s piping hot and ready for action. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures cleanup is a breeze and guarantees no cheesy bits cling stubbornly to your pan.
Step 2: Roll and Shape the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle (about 10×12 inches). This shape gives you just the right size for perfectly portioned twists, with enough room to fold over your filling later.
Step 3: Mix Up That Spiced Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, shredded paneer, garam masala, ground cumin, chili powder or red chili flakes, turmeric, and salt. Toss together gently—your kitchen should already be smelling amazing!
Step 4: Fill, Fold, and Press
Sprinkle the savory cheese mixture evenly over one half of the rolled pastry. Carefully fold the other half of the pastry on top, sandwiching the spiced cheese. Press down ever so lightly to help everything stick, and use a rolling pin to gently seal and flatten the layers together.
Step 5: Slice Into Strips & Twist Away
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the filled pastry into 1-inch-wide strips. Now for the fun bit—take each strip and twist it gently a few times. Lay those curvy beauties out on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a little apart so they have room to puff up.
Step 6: Egg Wash & Garnish
Brush each twist with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle over some chopped cilantro or nigella seeds—they turn every Indian Cheese Twist into a mini work of art!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The twists should turn puffed and richly golden all over, with pockets of melty cheese peeking through. Let them cool just slightly before serving (though it’s hard to resist a warm one straight from the oven).
How to Serve Indian Cheese Twists
Garnishes
To make your Indian Cheese Twists extra eye-catching, sprinkle them with a shower of freshly chopped cilantro or a pinch of nigella seeds after baking. Both garnishes offer a zippy pop of color and flavor. Alternatively, a squeeze of lime over the top before serving can add a surprising, tangy sparkle.
Side Dishes
While these twists are addictive on their own, they truly shine with dip-worthy sides. Pair them with a fresh cilantro-mint chutney or a cool, tangy spiced yogurt dip—the creamy, herby backdrop is a match made in snacking heaven. Add a crunchy salad or a light tomato salsa for a touch of contrast and a burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Indian Cheese Twists in a rustic basket lined with colorful napkins for casual gatherings, or arrange them upright in a tall glass like edible breadsticks for a party platter. Stack them crisscross-style on a board with your favorite dips in little bowls, or thread a few on cocktail picks for a whimsical, bite-sized presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously end up with leftovers (they’re usually gone in a flash!), let the twists cool completely before popping them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to three days, staying crisp on the outside and tender within.
Freezing
Wish you could enjoy Indian Cheese Twists on demand? Freeze them after baking and cooling. Lay the twists in a single layer on a tray until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their best flavor and texture for up to one month—just pull out and reheat as needed!
Reheating
To re-crisp twists and bring them back to their bakery-fresh glory, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the pastry soggy instead of delightfully flaky.
FAQs
Can I make these Indian Cheese Twists without eggs?
Absolutely! If you prefer an egg-free version, simply brush the twists with a little milk or cream before baking. You’ll still achieve a lovely golden color and shiny finish.
What can I use instead of paneer?
No paneer on hand? No problem. Extra mozzarella works great, or you can try a mild cheddar for a sharper flavor. Even crumbled feta adds a tangy twist—don’t be afraid to get creative!
Are Indian Cheese Twists spicy?
They have a gentle warmth from the chili powder or chili flakes, but the spiciness is easy to control. Want it hotter? Add a pinch more chili or toss in a diced green chili for extra heat. Prefer mild? Use less, or swap for paprika.
Can I make the twists ahead for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the twists a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge on a lined tray, covered lightly with plastic wrap. When it’s nearly time to serve, just brush with egg wash, bake, and dazzle your guests with fresh, warm treats.
Is it possible to make mini versions of Indian Cheese Twists?
Definitely—just cut the pastry into thinner strips before twisting and shorten the bake time by a few minutes. These bite-sized versions are a hit for kids’ parties, lunchboxes, or anytime you want a tiny, savory nibble.
Final Thoughts
There’s every reason to whip up a batch of Indian Cheese Twists—they bring together flaky pastry, oozing cheese, and bold spices in a way that’s utterly swoon-worthy. Dive in, share some with friends, and let the irresistible aroma fill your kitchen. Happy twisting!
Print
Indian Cheese Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Indian Cheese Twists are a delicious blend of puff pastry filled with a flavorful mix of mozzarella and paneer, spiced with traditional Indian seasonings. Perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer, these twists are easy to make and bursting with savory goodness.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cheese Filling:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded paneer
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder or red chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Chopped cilantro or nigella seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Make the filling: Combine mozzarella, paneer, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, and salt in a bowl.
- Fill and fold: Spread the cheese mixture over half of the pastry, fold the other half over it, and press down gently.
- Cut and twist: Slice the pastry into strips, twist them, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with cilantro or nigella seeds, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Great as a snack or party appetizer.
- Serve with chutney or spiced yogurt dip.
- Paneer can be substituted with extra mozzarella or cheddar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
